Filmmaker’s Reaction to Mumbai Police Notice

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has expressed his approval regarding the Mumbai Police’s notice instructing actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28. This directive follows Khan’s involvement in a protest held in Mumbai. Pandit articulated his views during an interview with ANI, highlighting his concerns about Khan’s participation in a political demonstration while allegedly holding US citizenship.

Pandit stated, “I am really very happy… because when you don’t have a right to protest, and you are not a citizen of this country, you go all out to see to it that our country is defamed.” He further emphasised the importance of understanding one’s rights and responsibilities before engaging in demonstrations, particularly for non-citizens.

He advised individuals who are not citizens of India to educate themselves on the legalities surrounding their participation in protests. “So, first educate yourself, study, and ask your family members and elders to explain whether you are allowed to take to the streets and wage a war against this country, because you are trying to create unrest in the country,” he remarked.

Details of the Notice Issued to Imran Khan

The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai issued a ‘Leave India Notice’ to Imran Khan on October 15, mandating his departure from the country by October 28. The notice cited alleged breaches of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and warned of potential legal action should he fail to comply.

This notice was prompted by Khan’s participation in a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on October 10. The demonstration aimed to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged manipulation of voter lists.

During the protest, Imran Khan, who reportedly holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was detained by the Mumbai Police. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan were also taken into custody. Following his detention, Khan shared a photograph on social media, seemingly taken inside a police vehicle, with the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

Legal Actions Planned by Imran Khan

Imran Khan’s legal representative, Zulfiquar Memon, has announced that the actor intends to challenge both the FRRO notice and the Mumbai Police summons related to his involvement in the protest. Memon indicated that the legal team is in the process of preparing a plea seeking an urgent hearing regarding the matter.

Memon has also contended that individuals holding OCI cards are not barred from participating in protests, suggesting that Khan’s actions were within his rights. Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has previously called for Khan’s arrest and deportation, alleging violations of the conditions associated with his OCI status.

Somaiya claimed to have provided the police with evidence concerning Khan’s speeches during the protest, as well as his previous comments on civic issues. Imran Khan has a history of publicly addressing civic matters, including a critique in July regarding police actions against students protesting irregularities in the NEET examination.

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